2014 Spring Parade of Homes along lakeshore has something for everyone

Thursday

Jun 12, 2014 at 9:30 AM

By Brian.VanOchten@hollandsentinel.com(616) 546-4279

It’s perfect timing for a parade of homes.The 2014 Spring Lakeshore Parade of Homes, which begins Thursday, is offering something in almost everyone’s price range — 22 new builds ranging from under $200,000 to more than $1 million in Holland, Zeeland, West Olive and surrounding communities.“It’s a great time to build because interest rates are still historically low,” said Sue Schurman, executive officer of the Lakeshore Home Builders Association. “Some of the lenders have a little more flexibility with financing this year. Instead of the traditional 20 percent down for a new home, a lot of them are offering financing at 5 to 10 percent down.“It’s why a lot of people are deciding to build their dream homes.”The annual parade of homes is open to the public and runs until June 21."It's probably never going to be a less-expensive time to build," LHBA President Jack Vander Meulen, of Vander Muelen Builders of Holland, said.Tickets are $15 per adult and $25 for two adults. There is no charge for children 13 and younger.The featured properties are in Allegan, Ottawa and Muskegon counties.“There are houses at every price point,” Schurman said. “There’s lots to see.”Inventory of existing homes remains tight, prompting more potential home buyers to choose a new custom-built residence as an option in a rebounding economy, Schurman explained.Some of the popular custom features being installed by builders are kitchens with high-end finishes such as granite countertops and premium appliances, composite decking, Euro doors or no doors on showers and walk-in closets in almost every bedroom, she said.“It’s nice to talk with the builder and those special touches,” Schurman said. “More and more people are interested in doing that.”The parade hours are 6-9p.m. Thursday and Friday and 1-9p.m. Saturday this week.Most of the homes are open 6-9 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 1-9 p.m. Saturday next week.Discount tickets are available at Menards stores in Holland, South Haven and Muskegon. They also may be purchased at lakeshorehomebuilders.com.— Follow this reporter on Twitter @BizHolland